Loving this color! How do they make it look so perfect?! I tried gel nails for the first time the other week and boy does that stuff stand up to the life of a mama! A friend of mine had her own machine that her mom bought her- it worked great and costs less than $30 on Amazon. I am super tempted to invest.

Isn't this just beautiful?! It looks like a lot of time but I bet it would be worth it- but I tend to like these 'tedious' baking adventures.

THIS Moment

If you follow me on Instagram you've seen this. This was a moment from my first day back at home with Gabriel after teaching for 6 days. He was in GREAT hands but boy did I miss being the one taking care of him.

I've heard of the Love & Logic books and thought they sounded good, but we're not quite there yet (although probably will be much sooner than we think!). We'll be sure to check them out when the time comes. Hope you see some good results! Your group sounds great - looking forward to hearing more about it and what you learn from it!

I'm trying to figure all of this out too. I've learned that the general term for this way of thinking is 'gentle positive discipline'. I've found that learning from multiple sources that differ slightly but are aiming toward the same goal is best because then I can decide what works best for us. So far, I love L&L, Janet Lansbury, this webinar: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sX0MQ5ZXVio&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DsX0MQ5ZXVio, and gentle positive discipline is what we learn at our co-op preschool also. I just always figured that children were doomed to be wild, naughty and misbehaved little people, and I dreaded the thought! I feel so much more joy in parenting now that I realize what a joy and privilege it is to disciple our children and watch them figure out the world. Still pretty confused at it all though. :)

I'm a L&L fan! Wish I had been able to go to his conference. I'm sending this post on to a friend from Coram Deo who is just starting the book. Also wish we lived closer so we could do the book group with you!!

I have heard of L&L, but since the twins are only 13 mo, we're not quite there yet. I have heard both positive and negative about it. The consensus seems to be that it's awesome, as long as you use it correctly. That when you give them choices about misbehaving, that the choices make sense and aren't belittling or talking down to the child. Does that make sense? I have also heard from several other moms that this is good for empathy building. I will definitely keep it in mind for when the kiddos get older!

Gabriel is 14 months. :) His strategies start as young as birth and develop as the child gets older. For example rather than saying 'no thank you' (which I don't know about you but that started at the same time we needed to do a little baby proofing) he suggests singing, 'uh-oh!' That then turns into a little song as they get older and understand more.

Parenting is a hot topic so yes, there is never going to be one approach that everyone agrees on- nor will there be the perfect approach for everyone. You got to search out which will work best with your personality and your family!

I thought you might be. :) It seems to be the thing with schools in this area. When did you first learn about it?

Some day soon (ish)! You really aren't that far away but when thinking of baby and naps and the works that 40 minute drive seems to triple in length! Any days work for you next week?! I would love to "pop" down!

You are awesome- thanks for all the info and resources! Every time you mention your co-op preschool I wish I lived in your area! We don't have (as far as I can find) anything like that here for under 2...

I'm looking forward to giving it all a go! I LOVE singing uh-oh instead of politely saying, "no thank you." That is the main change we have had since the conference. It just seems so much more effective.

If you've started saying "no thank you" then you are there. :) He has little tactics that start very young. We're already seeing the effect and Gabriel is one of those kids that always gets us asked, "is he always that calm? Is he always this mellow? Does he always play this nice?" To which we answer, yes- he has his moments but yes. :)

A couple of years ago I starting hearing about L&L at the school, and then I bought this book here a few months ago. I have a few good friend who I really admire as parents who follow these philosophies and that has been inspiring as well!